Title | Preventing infant and child morbidity and mortality due to maternal depression |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2016 |
Authors | Surkan, PJ, Patel, SA, Rahman, A |
Journal | Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol |
Volume | 36 |
Pagination | 156-168 |
Date Published | Oct |
ISBN Number | 1532-1932 (Electronic)1521-6934 (Linking) |
Accession Number | 27422745 |
Keywords | *anxiety, *child, *Child Mortality, *depression, *Developing Countries, *Infant Mortality, *Mental Health, *mothers, Child development, Child, Preschool, Depression, Postpartum/*prevention & control/therapy, Depressive Disorder/*prevention & control/therapy, Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, maternal behavior, morbidity, Mothers/*psychology, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Perinatal Mortality, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications/*prevention & control/therapy, Stress, Psychological, suicidal ideation |
Abstract | This review provides an overview of perinatal depression and its impacts on the health of mothers, their newborns, and young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We define and describe the urgency and scope of the problem of perinatal depression for mothers, while highlighting some specific issues such as suicidal ideation and decreased likelihood to seek health care. Pathways through which stress may link maternal depression to childhood growth and development (e.g., the hypo-pituitary axis) are discussed, followed by a summary of the adverse effects of depression on birth outcomes, parenting practices, and child growth and development. Although preliminary studies on the association between maternal depressive symptoms and maternal and child mortality exist, more research on these topics is needed. We describe the available interventions and suggest strategies to reduce maternal depressive symptoms in LMICs, including integration of services with existing primary health-care systems. |